Stokes: Don’t starve grassroots

BEN STOKES has joined a growing chorus telling the government to restore recreational cricket or risk losing kids from the sport.

The England star said it was “strange to comprehend” rulings that allowed pubs to open from Saturday but insisted club cricketers remain in lockdown.

While county cricket will be allowed to return from August 1,

Stokes (left) has friends who are desperate to get the grassroots game back up and running as well.

“For club cricket to be put back but pubs open on Saturday is a bit strange to comprehend,” said the all-rounder. “I have friends who are dying to get back out on the field.’’

He added: “People who love cricket are desperate to play – the quicker that happens the better.”